Malcolm Potier Jailed After Throttling Woman for Singing at London Theatre Performance
A man has been jailed after he throttled a woman who was singing along during a performance at London's Adelphi Theatre. Malcolm Potier, 6ft 7in (2m) tall, admitted assault by beating and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison by District Judge Daniel Sternberg at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
The incident occurred on 28 April during a showing of 'Back to the Future: The Musical'. The victim, Jade Ramsay, had reportedly been singing, prompting a man in the row in front to turn and gesture for her to stop. Following this, Potier, who was seated next to Ms Ramsay, grabbed her by the throat.
Ms Ramsay testified that she struggled to breathe and feared for her life during the assault. She stated, "I really thought I was going to die." The court heard that she sustained a red mark to her neck and a hoarse voice, with ongoing psychological impact, including nightmares and a reluctance to attend public events alone.
Defence solicitor David Storer argued that Potier, a previously respected local figure, had been subjected to noise and distraction from Ms Ramsay, who was described as intoxicated. Mr Storer claimed Potier had politely asked her to desist before the assault, which he attributed to a "moment of madness."
District Judge Sternberg condemned the attack, noting that the victim had committed no crime and describing Potier's actions as a "terrifying incident" that warranted a custodial sentence due to the use of violence and the victim's vulnerability.
